Neurologic Advantage for the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged

We aim to bolster the health of not only socio-economically disadvantaged women, but their offspring as well. Most people in the “westernized world” consume woefully small quantities of the health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Those who are impoverished fare even worse. Compounding the general health issues associated with this nutritional deficit is the fact that DHA is invaluable for proper neural development of the unborn fetus as well as the young infant. Thus, we have established this program to supply women world-wide with supplemental DHA during the period of their pregnancy and lactation. This program was conceived of, and initiated by, Kyra Baum during her junior year at Pine Crest High School. In order to help perpetuate this program, we would be grateful for any financial support you can provide. Your donations will go directly toward the purchase of additional oils to be distributed to women in need. As FPIM is a registered 501(C)3 charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible. Upon receipt of your donation, we will supply you with appropriate documentation for your records.

Future Projects:

The evaluation of varying doses of DHA + EPA on heart rhythm disturbances in patients with implanted devices. This trial will evaluate patients with permanent pacemakers (PPMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Varying doses of these omega-3 fish oils will be used to determine the threshold for impacting rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

The evaluation of DHA + EPA as an anti-arrhythmic agent in post coronary artery bypass (CABG) patients. Post CABG patients have a high frequency of atrial fibrillation, leading to longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. There is some evidence that the omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in these patients. We will evaluate a dose response for DHA + EPA in decreasing atrial fibrillation episodes in patients immediately following CABG surgery.

Inflammation is now accepted as a causal agent in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and cardiovascular events. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA + EPA possess anti-inflammatory properties. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and carotid intimal thickness (CIMT) can now detect early plaque formation as well as plaque morphology. This study will evaluate patients with primarily fat-laden plaque, which is known to be more vulnerable to rupture than calcium filled plaque. A variety of blood markers will be looked at as well; LDL-P, Lp PLA2, CRP, Lp (a) and serum phospholipid levels of DHA + EPA. Patients will be given supplements of DHA + EPA after initial blood testing and then tracked over time for changes in blood parameters as well as CV events.

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are two rhythm disturbances currently being treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). There is a 25% recurrence rate in atrial fibrillation after these procedures. Better long term results occur when patients can be maintained in normal sinus rhythm continuously after. We will evaluate the use of DHA + EPA supplementation in the three months immediately following RFA in these patients. Baseline and follow-up blood levels of DHA + EPA will also be assessed.

DHA is heavily concentrated in our brains. It is therefore believed that supplementation with DHA can improve outcomes in patients with cognitive disorders such as dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We will evaluate the response of Alzheimer’s patients at various stages of their disease to supplementation with DHA + EPA. Neuropsychiatric testing as well as blood testing for levels of serum phospholipid DHA + EPA will be performed at intervals on these patients.